The Nigerian federal government’s plan to launch Nigeria Air has been met with criticism from stakeholders in the aviation industry who believe that the airline may not commence operations until after the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration ends on May 29, 2023. The stakeholders pointed out that several key factors must be implemented to make the launch of the airline possible.
Some of the issues cited by the stakeholders include the need for a substantial investment in infrastructure, such as upgrading aviation facilities, runways, and air traffic control systems, as well as the need for a more comprehensive aviation policy that would address challenges such as high operating costs, inadequate regulatory framework, and erratic government policies.
The stakeholders also emphasized the need for the government to conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of the airline and the potential risks associated with its proposed business model. This would include an analysis of existing operators in the market, their capacity, prices, and service quality.
Moreover, the stakeholders noted that the government must be transparent in the procurement and management of procurement processes for the airline, including the appointment of competent professionals to manage the airline’s operations. They urged the government to avoid politicizing the process and to refrain from appointing individuals who lack the requisite technical expertise and experience.
Finally, the stakeholders called on the government to prioritize the issue of security in the country, which has a direct impact on the aviation industry. They pointed out that the spate of insecurity in the country, including acts of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, poses a significant threat to the sector, which relies heavily on passenger and cargo transportation to generate revenue.
In conclusion, the stakeholders in the aviation industry believe that the launch of Nigeria Air is a laudable initiative, but the government must address several critical issues to make the airline’s operations a reality. These include investing in infrastructure, developing a comprehensive aviation policy, conducting feasibility studies, ensuring transparency in procurement and management, and prioritizing security. Failure to address these issues may lead to further delays in the airline’s launch, even beyond the Buhari administration’s tenure.
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